The Bali Police Narcotics Directorate arrested a foreign couple after uncovering a hydroponic cannabis cultivation site inside their rented house in Denpasar. The raid took place on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at approximately 12:30 p.m. local time, at a residence located on Jalan Bina Kusuma IV, Ubung Kaja, North Denpasar.
The suspects were identified as Nirul Rashim Abdoelrzak, 31, a Dutch national, and his wife, Ksenia Varlamova, 33, a Russian citizen.
Discovery of Cannabis Cultivation Areas
Director of the Narcotics Directorate of Bali Police, Commissioner Radiant, said the operation followed public reports about suspicious activities suggesting the presence of a clandestine hydroponic cannabis laboratory. Upon searching the property, officers discovered multiple areas designated for seed germination, plant growth, and hydroponic cultivation.
The evidence collected included cannabis plants, some reaching one meter in height, as well as supporting equipment such as grow lights, temperature gauges, and a hydroponic tent system complete with irrigation and electrical setups.
“This is very organized because each area is equipped with a cooling system, room temperature regulation, watering, fertilization, lighting, and surveillance with CCTV,” said Radiant.
Additional Evidence Seized
During the search, police also confiscated one plastic bag containing green powder labeled NPK, another plastic bag containing white powder labeled NPK Magnesium, several bottles and packages of plant nutrients, and a black box containing dried seeds suspected to be cannabis seeds. Officers further secured a set of scales, which police believe could indicate the cannabis was intended for resale.
According to Radiant, the initial investigation showed that Nirul built and managed the hydroponic system himself, from planting seeds to preparing mature cannabis ready for harvest.
Role of the Suspect’s Wife
Authorities stated that Varlamova admitted to knowing about the cannabis cultivation but claimed not to have participated directly. Radiant noted that her role remains under further investigation. Records also show that she entered Bali in March 2025 and did not possess a Limited Stay Permit (KITAS).
“We are exploring the role of this wife. Is he, just knowing, or is he also helping a lot. But from the results of the initial examination (KV), only he knew. But he also can’t do anything to report, because of husband and wife,” said Radiant during a press conference at the Bali Police Headquarters, Denpasar, Friday (3/10).
Source of Cannabis Seeds
Nirul reportedly admitted that the cannabis seeds were obtained from an individual identified as Mr C, who is currently being sought by the police. The investigation into his involvement is ongoing.
“Furthermore, the Bali Police Directorate of Narcotics is investigating the whereabouts of Mr. C and his network in Bali as well as the source of goods or seeds of the marijuana-type narcotics. Meanwhile, we are investigating because Mr. C is the one who provided the funds or there may be other parties or other people,” he explained.
“There is a suggestion that he may also be circulating to certain people that he may know,” Radiant said.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
Based on the evidence, Nirul has been charged under Article 111 paragraph (2) of the Indonesian Narcotics Law Number 35 of 2009. The article stipulates penalties for storing, possessing, and controlling Category 1 narcotics in plant form exceeding one kilogram or more than five plants.
The maximum penalty under this law is life imprisonment, with a minimum of five years and a maximum of 20 years in prison, along with fines ranging from 800 million rupiah to 8 billion rupiah, which may be increased by one third.
